Vehicle outrigger



Dee. 19,y 1944.

R. O. BlLLlNGS VHICLE OUTRIGGER Filed Aug. 5, 1943 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Dec.v 19, 1944.

R. o. BILLuuc-as` VEHICLE OUTRIGGER 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 5, 1945 INVENTOR H TTORNE'V.

Patented Dec. i9, 1944 UNlTE'D STATES l OFFICE l 2,365,169 f f VEHICLE OUTRIGGER Roy 0. Billings, v Milwaukee, `Wis. Application August 5, 1943, seriai N0..497;5,0s 1 '3 claims. (o1. 212-145,.)

position without causing overbalancing of the frame and tipping thereof. Furthermore, 'due to this "increased stability, a maximumload may be safely handled by the 'crane even when A the latter is mounted on a relatively light truck.

' It is, therefore, a generalobjectof the present invention to 'provide an improved vehicle outrigger which, when in withdrawn position, inter fere inno `way with the mobility of the vehicle and which can,;nevertheless,1be quickly extended to furnish increased stability 'for craney operations.

,VA further object of lithe `'invention `is to -pro-v vide an improved vehicle Outrigger wherein means is employed for, first ,extending the Outrigger lat--y erally and fory then projecting Outrigger feet in a downward direction'ito engage the ground.' A further object lof the invention is to provide an Outrigger construction as above described wherein the lateral movement of the Outrigger,y as well as the downward movement of theieet, is operated and controlledhydraulically.

A 'further objectiis toV provide a construction'- as above described wherein'improved mechanism is utilize-d for causing retrieving movement o f the Outrigger parts.

A still further 'object of the invention is to providefa construction wherein the Outrigger movements may be convenientlycontrolled from' a position onthe crane turntable.

With the above and other objectsjin View', the invention consists of the improvementsfn Vehicle' outriggers andall its parts and combinations as set 'forthjin the claims and all equivalents thereof.

In the accompanying drawings illustratingone complete embodiment of the preferred .form of the invention, in which'the samereferenc'e'numerals designate .the same parts in al1 4oi `the views,

Fig. 1 lis a transverse'vertical sectional view 'through 4a crane equppedtruck showing the improved Outrigger mechanism as Yutilized 'in oorl-r nection therewith; n

relates to improvementsv in --ve- I Fig.'2 vis ya plan Vview of lthe rear of the truck frame withv parts' broken away nad shown in section and xwith the turntable removed. 'I he dot and dash linesindicate-an extendedposition ofthe Outrigger; V

Fig. `3 is a fragmentary -side elevational view of a truck cranevshowing fthe improved lOutrigger inconnection therewithyand I Figl4 is a rear elevationalfview of fthestruc'- ture illustrated Eig-3 -with the craneV and turntable omitted.

Referring more particularly to lthe drawings, the numeral l designatesthe rear-portion ofthe chassis of a relatively vsmall vsize truck. This truckfs provided with rear wheels 4Irl and'with al cab portion I'2.`

Mounted on top iliary frame ,l`3,supporting a ring I flandabeary ing l5 withinthering.

' Supported .in the ,bearing -I5 is thelower end of a .center pin IB. This center 4pin is preferably tubularin form andihas its lower Vend keyed to the bearing l5. ,Above the 'bearing |15 the center pinis .of ,enlarged diameter to provide an x annularshoulder I1. Thisfshould'er'limits the downwardliT movement of the center pin i6 in the .bearing l5. A nut `I8 .is threaded .onthe lowerendrofA the .center pinto engage thelower end of the bearingl ,andanchor thecenter pin rigidly in position. ,l

A turntable l1,9 .has its. top ,formed lwith ,an opening 20. 'Secured to the `lower surfaceof the top f of the turntable, and `projecting .downwardlyftheref-rom is afcollar-Zliormed withV oppositelYffdispOSed yslots 22. These slots extend Afrom f, the upper Ledge of the collar .downwardly Land terminate short of the lower edge of the collar. Rroiecting from :the outer sidef rthe collarbelow -thegslot 22 are angle Imembers 12,3. A bear-- to they outside' of the zbearing '24, :project in op.- .positefdirectio'ns therefrom and through the slots y 22 Hof. the collar .'2 l The Aouter endspf the studs 25 'are firmly :anchored by r-meanslof U. bolts l26 v to ftheangles 23. lThe bearing 24 'tslooselyin the hole -20 of the turntable. Thus by insertingr a shim beneathone or the other of the projecting `fends `of the studs 25, the bearingZl .mayf be anchored somewhat `relative to 'the lturntable :to

- compensate for any inequalities 'in the distribution-of the lload in theturntable.' Asithesame ,of lthe portion Ylll is Van-aux- I time it is apparent that the bearing 2| is rigidly connected to the turntable through the structure just described. The turntable, therefore, is rotatable around the xed center pin I6. During such rotation the turntable maybe additionally supported by means of rollers 21 which depend from the lower surface of the top of the.

the turntable for causing rotation of the turn- This mechanism is fully described in my table. pending application Serial No. 494,335, filed July 12, 1943. As far as the subject matter ofV the present application is concerned, however, any suitable -mechanism for causing rotation of the turntable may be utilized.

As illustrated in Fig. 3 the turntable supports the boom 29 of a crane. This boom is movable to various angular positions in a vertical plane and is also rotatable with the turntable. In addition the boom is equipped with a suitable load line. cable for lifting vvarious objects. \Any suitable mechanism may be employed for causing an- 'gular movement of the boom and any suitable mechanism may be used for raising and lowering the boom load line. It is, however, preferred to utilize hydraulically actuated cables as shown and described in my pending application Serial No. 457,705 filed September 2, 1942.

Suitably secur'edto the vehicle frame portion I0, as at 30 and 3|, are transverse sleeves 32. Telescoped within each sleeve 32 is a pair of oppositely movable horizontal Outrigger supports 33. These Outrigger supports are tubular in form and have' their outer ends connected to vertical Outrigger sleeves 34. Telescoped within each of the vertical sleeves 34 is a downwardly movable cylinder or tube 35. The lower end of each vertical sleeve is open and the lower end of each ofv the' downwardly movable tubes 35 is closed by a plate 36. To the underside of each of the plates 36a foot member 31 is rigidly secured.

The upper end of each of the vertical sleeves 34 isclosed by a head 38 which supports a cylinder 39 andan hydraulic ram 40. The lower end of each ram 40 is engaged withthe upper surface of the plate 36. Thus downward movement of the ram 40 causes downward movement of the telescoped cylinder 35 and foot 31 until the foot is in ground engaging position.

Suitably supported' in a horizontal position within the horizontal Outrigger tubes 33 is 'a cylinder 4I having oppositely acting rams 42 therein. The outer ends of the rams 42 are connected to the ,vertical sleeves 34 as at 43. Thus when hydraulic fluid is forced under pressure into the central space 44 of the cylinder 4|,' it will act to move both of the rams 42 outwardly to cause projection of the horizontal outriggers from .the full line position of Fig. 2 to the dot-and-dash line position therein. This outward movement may be limited by the use of checking cables 45 (see Fig. 4).

t is apparent from the above that after the horizontal Outrigger supports have been moved from the full line position of Fig. 2 to the dotand-dash line position therein, the vertical rams 46 are then extended to cause downward movement of the feet 31 into ground engaging position. When l in this position, cables 46 are operated to cause from the motor vehicle.

upward movement of the feet 31, each of these cables having its lower end anchored to the bottom plate 36 of the vertically movable cylinder 35 as at 41. Each of the cables 46 then extends upwardly and over a pulley 48 supported in an opening at the upper end of the vertical sleeve 34. Referring to Fig. 2, one of the cables 46 in connection with the forward Outrigger is guided around a sheave 49, then rearwardly around a sheave 56. The cable then extends forwardly again where it is connected, as at 5|, to a cable 52 connected to an arm 53. The other forward cable 46 is guided around sheaves 54, 55 and 56 and is also connected to the cable 52, as at 5|. One of the cables 46 in connection with the rear Outrigger is guided around sheaves 51 and 58 and then connects with the cable 52 at connection point 5|. lThe other rear cable 46 is guided around a sheave 59 and around the sheave 56. This cable then extends forwardly to connect at point 5I with the common actuating cable 52.

Hydraulic cylinder 6D, having a movable ram 6|, is adapted to cause swinging movement of the arm 53 in a counter-clockwise direction to the full line position of Fig. 2. This acts to first cause an upward pull on the feet 31 untilthe vertical rams have reached the limit of withdrawal movement. The cables 46 then act to move the Outrigger parts inwardly from the dotand-dash line position of Fig. 2 to the full line position therein. Thus a single hydraulic cylinder serves to retrieve both the vertical rams and the horizontal rams.

As is indicated in Fig. 2, there is mounted preferably on the forward end of the truck frame I0 an hydraulic pump 62 having a reservoir 63. This pump may be driven by a power take-off The pump 62 has an hydraulic line 64 which extends along the Aframe to a point beneath the tubular center pin I6 of Fig. 1.v This line 64 is flexible and extends upwardly through the tubular center pin and to a control board on top of the turntable. The line 64 has a branch 65 extending into a valve -66 n and the line 64 also continues and connects with a valve 61. When the control handle 68 of the valve 66 operated in one direction, hydraulic fluid under pressure from the pump will ilow to the valve 66 and into ailexible hydraulic line 69 which leads back through the center pin to a position therebelow. The line 69 has two branches 1|)v and 1I. The branch line 10 connects with the hydraulic chamber 44 of the forward horizontal Outrigger cylinder 4|. The conduit 1| connects in a similar manner with the hydraulic chamber 44 of the rear horizontal outrigger cylinder 4|. Thus when the valve 66 is opened, hydraulic fluid under pressure Willcause outward movement of both the front and rear horizontal Outrigger supports from the full line position of Fig. 2 to the dot-and-dash line position therein. Upon retrieving, movement of the horizontal Outrigger rams 42 the hydraulic iluid is forced back through the lines 10, 1|, 69, and 64 to the pump 62.A

The hydraulic line 64 leading from the pump 52 also furnishes fluid under pressure for operating'the vertical rams. Referring again to Fig. l; when the control handle 12 of the valve 61 is open, and providing the individual controls 13 are in 'openconditiom hydraulic fluid under pressure' is forced :simultaneously through all of the lines 14, 15,r 16, and 11. These lines are also exibie and extend downwardly through the center pin to deliver hydraulic iluid under pressure to all four of the vertical cylinders 39. Thus all fourfof the feet 31 are projected downwardly sivertical rams 40 Athe valve controls 13 and 12 arev all open andV huid is forced back through the lines 14 to 11 inclusive and into the main line 64 leading to the pump 62.

A second hydraulic pump 'i8 having a kreservoir 19 in connection therewith is adapted to deliver uid underpressure through a line 80. The line 80 is iiexible and extends upwardly through the center pin I6 to a valve 8l on the turntable. When the control handle 82 is moved tovopen lthe valve, iluid under pressure will flow into` a line 83 leading back through the center pin I6. The line 83 connects with the retrieving cylinder 60 (Fig. 2) and causes the ram 6I tO be moved'to the position of Fig. 2 tO retrieve both the vertical and horizontal Outrigger rams. When the horizontal and vertical rams are again extended, this willcause a pull on the cable 52, movement of the arm 53, and will force the ram 6I back into its cylinder, E0. This will also return hydraulic uid from the cylinder 60 back into the pump 'I8 if the control 82 is in open condition. From the above it is apparent that when the outrigger is in withdrawn position the truck'may bereadily moved to any desired location. If it is desired to operate the crane, however, then the Outrigger may be laterally extended and the Outrigger feet may be lowered to increase the effective width of the truck crane. This adds stability to the support of the crane and the latter may be safely operated in any position of rotation without causing tipping movement of the truck. Y

It is apparent that the mechanism for operat- 'ing the Outrigger is relatively simple and effective and that the arrangement is such that the extension of the horizontal rams is quickly foll. In a vehicle having a wheel supported frame, an outwardly extendible Outrigger mem- Y ber mounted on said frame, a vertically movable foot carried Aby said extendible member, m'eans remotely controlled from the vehicle vfor causing outward kmovement of said extendiblemember,

means remotely` controlled from the vehicle for causing downward movement of said foot, vand .a common means remotely controlled from the vehicle for retrieving said foot and for sequen-A tially retrieving said horizontally extendible member.

4. In a vehicle having a wheel` supportedk frame, an outwardly extendible Outrigger member mounted On vSaid frame, averticallymovable foot carried by said extendible member, meansv remotely controlled from the vehicle for causing outward movement of saidv extendible member, means remotely controlled from the vehicle for causing downward movement of said foot, and a common hydraulically operated means remote.-

ly controlled from the vehicle for retrieving said foot and for sequentially retrieving said horizon-f downwardmovement of said foot, means includ` ing a cable and sheaves forretrieving said foot and for sequentially retrieving `said horizontally extendible member, and an hydraulically operated ram for exerting an Operating pull on said cable. l Y,

6. In a vehicle .having a` wheel supported frame, a pair of oppositely movable'horizontally extendible Outrigger members guided' ony said frame, an hydraulic cylindersupported On said frame and extending parallel to said Outrigger members, a pair of oppositely movable rams in said cylinder having free ends engaging said outrigger members to cause simultaneous movement thereof in opposite directions, and means for introducing hydraulic iiuid under pressure into said cylinder at an intermediatev point to act on the inner ends of both rams.

7'. In a vehicle having a wheel supported frame, a transverse sleeve open at both ends mounted on said frame, a pair of oppositely-movfoot carried by said extendible member, means remotely controlled from the vehicle for causing outward movement of said extendible member, and means remotely controlled from the vehicle for causing downward movement oflsaid foot.

1 lically operated means controlled from the vehicle for causing outward movement of said extendible member, and hydraulically operated means controlled from the vehicle for causing Y downward movement of .said foot.

3. In a vehicle having a Wheel supported frame, an outwardly extendibleoutrigger member mounted on said frame, a vertically movable able tubular Outrigger members tted in said sleeve for telescopic movement in opposite di rections,an hydraulic cylinder supported within said sleeve and having ends projecting into the tubular Outrigger members, a pair of oppositely movable rams in said cylinder having free ends engaging said Outrigger members to cause simultaneous movement thereof in opposite directions,

'and means for introducing hydraulic fluid under pressure into said cylinder at an intermediate point to act on the inner ends of both rams.

8. In a vehicle having a wheel supported frame, a horizontally extendible Outrigger member supported on said frame, a verticalsleeve connected to the outer end of said Outrigger member, a tube fitted in said sleeve for telescopic movement toward and away from ground engag-I ing position, means for moving said tube downwardly, a cable having one end anchored to said tube, a sheave on the sleeve over which said cable is guided, and means for exerting an Operating pull on said cable to retrieve said tube after it has been moved downwardly.

. 9. In a vehicle having a wheel supported frame, a horizontally extendible Outrigger member supported on said frame, a vertical sleeve connected to the Outer lend of said Outrigger member. a

tube itted in said sleeve for telescopic movement toward and away from ground engaging position, means for moving said tube downwardly, a cable having one end anchored to said tube, asheave on the sleeve over which said cable is guided, the cable then extending in the general direction of the movement of the horizontally extendible Outrigger member, and means on the vehicle frame for exerting an Operating pull On said cable to lrst retrieve the tube and to then retrieve the horizontally extendible Outrigger member.

10. In a vehicle having a wheel supported frame, an outwardly movable Outrigger member mounted on said frame, a movable foot carried by said Outrigger member, means for causing Outward movement of said Outrigger member, means for causing downward movement of said foot, means including a cable and sheaves for retrieving said foot and for sequentially retrieving said outrigger member, and a hydraulically operated ram for exerting an Operating pull on said cable.

11. In a vehicle having a wheel supported frame, an outwardly movable Outrigger member supported On said frame, an upright sleeve connected to the outer end of said Outrigger member, a tube fitted in said sleeve for telescopic movement toward and away from ground engaging position, means for moving said tube downwardly, a cable having one end anchored to said tube, a sheave on the sleeve over which said cable 30v is guided, and means for exerting an operating pull on said cable to retrieve said tube after it has been moved downwardly.

12. In a vehicle having a wheel supported frame, an Outrigger member supported on said frame, an upright sleeve connected to the outerend of said Outrigger member, a tube fitted in said sleeve for telescopic movement toward and away from ground engaging position, means for moving said tube downwardly, a cable having one end anchored to said tube, a sheave on the sleeve over which said cable is guided, and means for exerting an operated pull on said cable to retrieve said tube after it has been moved downwardly.

13. In a vehicle having a wheel supported frame, an outwardly movable Outrigger member supported on said frame, an upright sleeve connected to the outer end of said Outrigger member, a tube tted in said sleeve for telescopic movement toward and away from ground engaging position, means for moving said tube downwardly, a cable having one end anchored to said tube, a sheave on the sleeve over which said cable is guided, the cable then extending in the general direction of movement of the outrigger member, and means on the vehicle frame for exerting an Operating' pull on said cable to first retrieve the tube and to then retrieve the horizontally extendible Outrigger member.

-ROY O. BILLINGS. 

